Tough Transition Ahead For New Leader Of Mass. National Guard

BOSTON (CBS) – Some challenges are ahead for the interim leader of the Massachusetts National Guard. He’s replacing a man who is accused of rape and the new commander knows this could be a difficult transition.

Major General Scott Rice is now leading more than 8,000 troops.

“Any change that is done in a very, very short period of time is very difficult and very challenging,” says Rice.

Susan Pelletier, a former Army solider, says she was raped by Carter in the early 80’s. Carter denies the allegations and says he doesn’t even know Pelletier. The allegations only came to light recently under a separate court martial.

Major General Rice says it’s important to restore faith to the troops, because, “There’s a lot of turmoil and the turmoil trickles down to every member of the organization.”

He has this message to women in the Guard: “There is no room, no room for error on sexual assault and dealing with it and taking care of our people,